Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
